What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
daunt
Example
The difficult exam daunted the students. [daunted: verb]
Example
Despite the daunting task ahead, she decided to give it her best shot. [daunting: adjective]
frighten
Example
The loud noise frightened the cat. [frightened: verb]
Example
She was frightened by the dark alley and decided to take a different route. [frightened: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Frighten is more commonly used than daunt in everyday language. Frighten is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while daunt is less common and has a more specific meaning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between daunt and frighten?
Both daunt and frighten are relatively formal words and may not be used in casual conversation. However, frighten may be more versatile and can be used in various formality levels, while daunt is more specific and may be limited to more formal contexts.